UCSB Bren School professors Roland Geyer, Patricia Holden, Arturo Keller, and Sage Davis featured in PBS documentary examining fast fashion's environmental impact, microplastic pollution, and sustainable textile recycling solutions.
From the pine-scented trails of Bend, Oregon, to the front row at a Jane Goodall talk, Emily Wapman’s journey has always followed curiosity and endurance—whether running 20-mile ultramarathons or setting up camera traps for elusive red foxes. Now a first-year MESM student at the Bren School, Emily brings the same focus, resilience, and love of the natural world to tackling complex environmental challenges.
New research outlines a data-driven method to evaluate and retire U.S. coal plants. The study identifies vulnerability patterns, enabling policymakers to plan targeted, efficient coal phaseouts aligned with energy and climate goals.
Scientists explain how climate tipping points such as ice loss, coral decline, and rainforest stress interact within Earth’s systems, highlighting both the scientific uncertainty and opportunities to prevent irreversible change.
Bren School's EDS 240 Data Visualization course teaches Master of Environmental Data Science students to transform complex environmental datasets into compelling visual stories using R programming, ggplot2, graphic design, and alternative grading methods that emphasize skill mastery over traditional grades.
Christopher Costello's groundbreaking Science study using satellite technology and AI proves marine protected areas effectively reduce illegal fishing by 90%, challenging "paper park" criticisms and demonstrating MPAs' crucial role in achieving global 30x30 ocean conservation targets.
UCSB researchers project global ocean impacts will double by 2050, with warming, biomass loss and coastal pressures driving rapid change that threatens marine ecosystems, coastal communities and future ocean sustainability.
New research reveals plants manage water like spendthrifts or savers: global soil moisture data shows grasses use water aggressively, forests conserve it — reshaping drought predictions and climate models worldwide ecosystems dynamics.
A landmark study by UCSB Bren School faculty Sarah Anderson and Mark Buntaine finds that publicly rating local governments on pollution transparency led to long-term improvements in air quality and regulatory enforcement in China.
Bren wildfire expert Max Moritz challenges California’s proposed vegetation bans, highlighting research that shows how well-maintained plants can help protect homes from wildfire risk.
Bren School's Joan Dudney named 2025 ESA Early Career Fellow for innovative research on climate change, forest ecosystems, and multiple environmental stressors reshaping Western landscapes.
"Tree Water," an installation by artist Ethan Turpin and UCSB environmental scientist Naomi Tague, visualizes hidden water flows beneath forests, challenging conventional scientific models. Part of the WILDLAND exhibition, the piece merges art and eco-hydrology, offering an immersive perspective on climate and water movement.
Discover how AI’s rapid expansion is fueling unprecedented data center growth and energy consumption. Dr. Eric Masanet reveals the challenges—and potential solutions—for sustainable computing.
Renowned ecologist David Tilman revolutionized biodiversity science, revealing that more diverse ecosystems thrive and earning the National Medal of Science for his groundbreaking work.
Associate Professor Kyle Meng discusses his year as CEA's Senior Climate Economist, analyzing climate policy for the President and US energy transition.
